Disagreement on timing for a fleet roll-out, among other issues, led OnAir to terminate its agreement to provide on-board to-fit mobile phone service across budget carrier Ryanair's fleet.
Ryanair began a trial of the service in February 2009 to much fanfare, with a view to equipping all its 200-plus Boeing 737-800s. OnAir had fitted its system to 50 aircraft over the test period. However, OnAir says the two companies had failed to reach a "mutual agreement on the process and timing" leading to full deployment.
Ryanair, which is now looking for an alternative on-board mobile phone provider, says it "regrets" OnAir's decision and had been "pleased" with the performance, with call and text volumes "rapidly growing".
AeroMobile has been OnAir's main rival for on-board phone services. The company has recently experienced a difficult period, after filing for administration and emerging in January as a subsidiary of Telenor Group.
Source: Flight International
